The retail industry refers to businesses that sell goods directly to consumers. This includes a wide range of establishments, from small independent shops and boutiques to large chain stores and shopping centers. The primary goal of these businesses is to purchase products in bulk, mark them up for profit, and then sell them to the public at a price that covers their costs and generates revenue. This industry plays an important role in the economy by providing jobs, stimulating economic growth through consumer spending, and offering consumers a wide variety of goods to choose from.